Top Earners in the NFL: Breaking Down the Highest-Paid Players by Position for 2026
As the NFL offseason progresses, the financial landscape of the league continues to shift dramatically. With the salary cap exceeding $300 million per team for 2026, teams are making significant investments in their players, leading to some eye-popping contracts this year. Highest-Paid Players by Position: Quarterback: Dak Prescott (Cowboys) - $60M per year Signed in: 2024, through: 2028 Total contract: 4 years, $240 million Prescott led the league with 30 touchdowns last season, earning his fourth Pro Bowl honor. Running Back: Saquon Barkley (Eagles) - $20.6M per year Signed in: 2025, through: 2028 Total contract: 2 years, $41.2 million Barkley set the league record for rushing yards in a season with 2,504 yards. Wide Receiver: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks) - $42.15M per year Signed in: 2026, through: 2031 Total contract: 4 years, $168.8 million He was crucial in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run, leading the league with 119 receptions. Tight End: George Kittle (49ers) - $19.1M per year Signed in: 2025, through: 2029 Total contract: 4 years, $76.4 million Kittle aims for a strong comeback after injuries last season. Offensive Tackle: Laremy Tunsil (Commanders) - $30.1M per year Signed in: 2026, through: 2028 Total contract: 2 years, $60.2 million Tunsil has started all 139 games in his career. Defensive End: Will Anderson Jr. (Texans) - $50M per year Signed in: 2026, through: 2030 Total contract: 3 years, $150 million Anderson is the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Linebacker: Fred Warner (49ers) - $21M per year Signed in: 2025, through: 2029 Total contract: 3 years, $63 million Warner has been a defensive leader despite injuries last season. Cornerback: Trent McDuffie (Rams) - $31M per year Signed in: 2026, through: 2030 Total contract: 4 years, $124 million McDuffie has impressive stats from his time with the Chiefs. Safety: Derwin James (Chargers) - $25.2M per year Signed in: 2026, through: 2029 Total contract: 3 years, $75.6 million James earned a career-best three interceptions last season. Kicker: Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys) - $7M per year Signed in: 2026, through: 2030 Total contract: 4 years, $28 million This deal marks the largest for a kicker in league history. Punter: Jordan Stout (Giants) - $4.1M per year Signed in: 2026, through: 2028 Total contract: 3 years, $12.3 million Stout led the league with a 44.9 yard net average last season. As teams prepare for minicamps and training camps, the financial stakes in the NFL continue to rise, revealing the players who are not only pivotal on the field but also cashing in the biggest checks.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-28